2013 Difference Makers

Cincinnati Museum Center is pleased to announce that 43 nominations were received for Duke Energy Children’s Museum’s Sixth Annual Difference Maker Awards! These nominees are our community’s unsung heroes – the grandmothers and foster parents, the volunteers and the small community organizations, the teenagers and budding child advocates – along with the powerhouse agencies and individuals who make the Greater Cincinnati region a better place for children. Since the original Difference Maker Awards in 2008, we’ve recognized more than 150 fantastic nominees, all sharing Duke Energy Children’s Museum focus to better the lives of children in our community.

The 2013 Difference Makers and the 2013 Difference Maker Community Honoree, PNC Bank & PNC Grow Up Great, were recognized for their hard work and dedication at the Sixth Annual Difference Maker Awards dinner on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013.

PNC Grow Up Great is featured as the 2013 Duke Energy Children’s Museum Difference Maker Awards community honoree in recognition of significant efforts to improve early childhood education and school-readiness.

The PNC Grow Up Great initiative began in 2004 with a mission to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. Their visionary leadership has been recognized with awards from the National Head Start Association, Committee for Economic Development, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy and the Child Welfare League of America. PNC Grow Up Great partners locally with non-profit organizations to foster a foundation in science for preschools. Grow Up Great with Science provides low-income families with support for professional development for preschool teachers and by introducing entire families to science through on-site and classroom experiences. PNC Bank employees have donated 12,500 volunteer hours and impacted thousands of children. With over $350 million dollars invested within communities across the country, PNC Grow Up Great has dedicated their mission as strong advocates for the future success of today’s children. For more information, please visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com and www.youtube.com/PNC or follow @PNCGrowUpGreat on Twitter.

Locally, PNC Grow Up Great has supported Cincinnati Museum Center through the ECSITE (Early Childhood Science Inquiry Teacher Education) program. ECSITE is a teacher professional development program designed to sustainably increase the competency and confidence of early childhood teachers in creating science inquiry classroom experiences for their students, thereby maximizing science thinking and key multi-disciplinary developmental skills. The Duke Energy Children’s Museum and the ECSITE program were recognized earlier this year as one of four museums nationally to receive the 2013 Promising Practice award. Supported by MetLife Foundation and administered by Association of Children’s Museums, the Promising Practice Award recognizes U.S. and international children’s museums as essential places for nurturing children to become global citizens.

Small Non-Profit Honoree

Breakthrough CincinnatiBreakthrough Cincinnati is a four-year, tuition-free, academically rigorous enrichment program that works to increase the opportunities of motivated middle school students through high quality summer and school year programming. The organization inspires and develops the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. Watch video >

Large Non-Profit Honoree

Crayons to Computers (C2C)Crayons to Computers is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that all children have the quantity and quality of school supplies they need to be successful in school. Started in 1997, C2C partners with almost 500 area schools to bridge the gap for families and schools that do not have the financial ability to provide basic and enrichment school supplies. Watch video >

Business Honoree

C-Forward, Inc.C-Forward, Inc. partners to support education efforts through endeavors such as repairing school computers, donating a Christmas tree decorated with Dr. Seuss books to a school, and joining the Adopt-a-Class program, where each employee has a “pen pal” with a child in first grade, encouraging students to attend school and achieve reading goals. Watch video >

Professional Adult Honorees

Sarah CadleSarah is Service Coordinator at Inter Parish Ministry. She organizes school supply distribution drives that provide children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade the supplies they need to begin the year. Last year’s drive provided 230 children from ten different school districts school supplies. Sarah also provided holiday gifts to more than 350 families. Watch video >

Sharon JohnsonA long-time educator and educational leader, Sharon Johnson served as principal of Withrow University High School for 11 years. During her tenure, she developed community partnerships with businesses to improve outcomes and opportunities for her students, including introducing a 1-to-1 technology model in classrooms, collaborations with colleges providing scholarships for graduates, and the creation of a dual enrollment program allowing high school seniors to earn college credits prior to graduation. Watch video >

Volunteer Adult Honorees

Don FreedAs a Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House volunteer, Don has spent more than 18 years welcoming new families, cleaning rooms, doing dishes, serving lunch, conducting tours, fixing vending machines, tending to the garden and so much more. He even started the tradition of asking fellow volunteers to adopt a room together, raising a three-year total of $30,000 to adopt a room every year. Watch video >

Ron DumasRon is founder of Reaching Out for Kids, a free summer golf clinic that teaches children valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, making decisions by considering the consequences, setting goals, and transferring values such as integrity, honesty, respect, confidence and sportsmanship from the golf course to everyday life. Watch video >

Youth Honorees

Aubrey ClarkAubrey collects and sends cards to children in hospitals to provide support, encouragement and entertainment during their stays through “Jellyfish Wishes.” She has collected hats for babies born prematurely and donated clothing for Hannah’s Treasure Chest to clothe needy families, all while encouraging everyone to pass on acts of kindness to one another. Watch video >

Vishnu ParanandiA leader of the Make it Happen service club at Wyoming City Schools, Vishnu’s talents with videography and photography allow parents and students to stay updated on fundraising and service opportunities. His video about the club’s work with FreestoreFoodbank led to an international video contest cash prize, which he donated to FreestoreFoodbank. Watch video >

These individuals and organizations have been nominated by their peers and members of the community who have seen their hard work and selfless dedication to children. Nominee categories include: Youth (17 and younger), adult - volunteer, adult - professional, business and non-profit organization.

A New Chance FoundationFounded in 2008 by Beth and Ashley Chance, and with the help of generous supporters who are passionate about helping kids, A New Chance Foundation enables children who have disabilities to live more independent lives by increasing mobility, creating access at home and improving activities of daily living.

Aubrey Clark, Jellyfish Wishes and Sending Kindness One Act at a TimeAubrey collects and sends cards to children in hospitals to provide support, encouragement and entertainment during their stays through “Jellyfish Wishes.” She has collected hats for babies born prematurely and donated clothing for Hannah’s Treasure Chest to clothe needy families, all while encouraging everyone to pass on acts of kindness to one another.

Avondale Running ClubOne of the oldest running clubs in the country organized by African Americans, Avondale Running Club members, runners and walkers, not only work on physical fitness, but establish lasting friendships, support each other, and place high emphasis on giving back to their community by donating time and treasure to charitable causes and organizations.

Benjamin Baldwin, Justice for EmmaBenjamin Baldwin is raising awareness for child abuse in honor of his daughter, Emma, through Facebook and internet groups “Justice for Emma.”

Beth Nowak, Giving FamiliesBeth created givingfamilies.com to provide families with opportunities to give together and to help parents educate and employ children to become the next generation of givers. The site offers a child-friendly online donation platform, which introduces families to a variety of local non-profits and helps children develop emotional intelligence to learn how to make the world a better place.

Bluegrass for BabiesBluegrass for Babies, Inc. is a non-profit organization that strives to improve children’s health. Launched as an annual bluegrass benefit concert in 2009, Bluegrass for Babies has evolved into an organization that provides tools, resources, and year-round special events centered on helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start.

Breakthrough CincinnatiBreakthrough Cincinnati is a four-year, tuition-free, academically rigorous enrichment program that works to increase the opportunities of motivated middle school students through high quality summer and school year programming. The organization inspires and develops the next generation of teachers and educational leaders.

C-Forward, Inc.C-Forward partners to support education efforts through endeavors such as repairing school computers, donating a Christmas tree decorated with Dr. Seuss books to a school, and joining the Adopt-a-Class program, where each employee has a “pen pal” with a child in first grade, encouraging students to attend school and achieve reading goals.

Carl and Dawn SatterwhiteModels of giving, Carl and Dawn Satterwhite privately mentor and coach leaders, college graduates, family, mentees and the faith-based community demonstrating that the holistic measure of success is what and how you give back to a community. They co-founded “Touchdown for Hope,” an annual Super Bowl fundraiser created to provide awareness and support, and to help improve the lives of those suffering with mental illness.

Cast-Fab Technologies, Inc.Cast-Fab Technologies, Inc. partners with the FreestoreFoodbank to tackle hunger in the community. In addition to monetary resources, employees dedicate their time by assisting in the warehouse and helping pack Power Pack lunch kits, which are especially rewarding as you see the food a child will get to eat over the weekend. Hunger is something that affects all their employees’ communities, and Cast-Fab is dedicated to making a visible impact.

The Children’s Home of CincinnatiSince 1864, The Children’s Home of Cincinnati has been transforming the lives of vulnerable children through individualized treatment and education services. Through campus and community based services, The Children’s Home of Cincinnati serves more than 6,000 children annually throughout six counties, building the skills and confidence of children birth to age 18 to succeed in life.

Cincinnati Reds Community FundThe Cincinnati Reds Community Fund strives to create programming that connects at-risk children with baseball through character building programs. The organization supports expenses for inner-city baseball teams and restores baseball and softball fields, and is dedicated to improving the lives of youth by leveraging the tradition of the Cincinnati Reds and the game of baseball.

Crayons to Computers (C2C)C2C is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that all children have the quantity and quality of school supplies they need to be successful in school. Started in 1997, C2C partners with almost 500 area schools to bridge the gap for families and schools that do not have the financial ability to provide basic and enrichment school supplies.

Don Freed, Cincinnati Ronald McDonald HouseAs a Ronald McDonald House volunteer, Don has spent more than 18 years welcoming new families, cleaning rooms, doing dishes, serving lunch, conducting tours, fixing vending machines, tending to the garden and so much more. He even started the tradition of asking fellow volunteers to adopt a room together, raising a three-year total of $30,000 to adopt a room every year.

Emily Offenbacker, editor-in-chief, Oyler Griffin, Oyler Community Learning CenterEmily is the first editor-in-chief of Oyler Community Learning Center’s revived newspaper, The Griffin. Emily shared her commitment to good journalism and community pride by creating and producing eight editions of the newspaper during its first year. The paper shares important information on school and community issues.

Envision ChildrenEnvision Children recognizes that children learn better with close interaction and support, delivered creatively and at the right time. The organization facilitates programs such as Power Saturday and Summer Academic Enrichment to keep children learning and provide an “extra push.” Envision Children was founded in 2009 by Sheryl McClung Garner, who was inspired by her work tutoring low-income children.

Fulton O. Jefferson, Jr., Avondale Youth CouncilAs one of the founders of the Avondale Youth Council, Fulton works with diligence and dedication to make sure youth have opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise be exposed to through projects in the community. He also provides them with opportunities to develop skills such as self-motivation, commitment and a strong work ethic.

Granny’s Garden SchoolFounded by Roberta Paolo in 2002, Granny’s Garden School develops, promotes and supports hands-on learning experiences through school-based, garden and nature focused programs to help children experience nature, the satisfaction of growing their own food and to appreciate the simple pleasure of picking a flower.

Henry Brown, YMCA, Avondale Running Club, Avondale Community CouncilHenry Brown is meeting the need of his community by volunteering his time and energy through a variety of organizations, such as the Melrose Branch YMCA, Greater Cincinnati YMCA Metro Board, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, Avondale Running Club, and served as project manager for the construction of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Jimmy Dooley, singer/songwriterJimmy Dooley is a minister and singer/songwriter whose music targets today's youth in his songs to overcome bullying, hardships and suicide; and is a part of World Vision Ministry that helps starving children in third world countries.

Junior League of CincinnatiThe Junior League of Cincinnati is committed to using education and charity to improve our community by stimulating change and empowering people through the direct efforts of dedicated volunteers. The organization promotes voluntarism and improves communities through the action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Leadership ScholarsLeadership Scholars is a research-based organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by educating inner city students on how to be successful in school and in life. The program empowers parents with strategies to support their children and it cultivates in the students a mindset of hard work, persistence, and optimism, and establishes a knowledge of college to best position them to earn college admission and scholarships.

Mariah Faith Reynolds, gLOVE One AnotherThrough projects “gLOVE One Another” and “Just One Heart,” Mariah provides clothing and supplies to children through schools, shelters and community organizations in Cincinnati and several states. She also arranges for Valentine’s Day and thank you cards to be mailed to members of our armed forces serving overseas and to veteran’s groups.

Marla FullerMarla Hurston Fuller has served on the boards of many local non-profit organizations, such as 4C for Children, Adopt-a-Class Foundation and Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, and has served as a positive role models for young people.

Mary Welsh Schlueter, Partnership for Innovation in EducationIn 2009, Mary Welsh Schlueter created Partnership for Innovation in Education, a non-profit organization that helps students master critical thinking and skills, but also practice “hands on” application of those concepts. Using experiential, digital, project-based and blended learning methods, Pie Media allows students to better develop STEM-based skills beyond the traditional classroom.

Melodic ConnectionsMelodic Connections is comprised of board certified music therapists and other like-minded people dedicated to empowering the lives of special needs individuals by providing therapeutic support for individuals with disabilities as they engage in adapted guitar or piano lessons, fostering self-confidence and empowering students to succeed in other areas of their lives.

National Black Masters of Business Administration AssociationOne of the 10 oldest chapters in the National Black MBA Association with approximately 100 members, the Cincinnati Chapter brings together business professionals with a variety of skills in several fields in an effort to assist in the development of exceptional African-American professionals and business leaders, sustain and strengthen the economic structure of the African-American community, and provide an avenue for development of future leaders in the African-American community.

RiskSOURCE® Clark-ThedersThrough the “Cares” program, all Clark-Theders associates are allowed 30 paid hours a year to volunteer time to a non-profit organization of their choice. Projects benefit a variety of organizations in the community including: Junior Achievement, Every Child Succeeds, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Faces without Places, Hamilton Living Water Ministries and Christmas gifts and school supplies for children through Reach out Lakota.

Ron Dumas, Reaching Out for KidsRon is founder of Reaching Out For Kids, a free summer golf clinic that teaches children valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, making decisions by considering the consequences, setting goals, and transferring values such as integrity, honesty, respect, confidence and sportsmanship from the golf course to everyday life.

S3C, Inc.S3C is a not-for-profit corporation founded by Darryn G.Chenault, Dana Parker, Gretchen Tash, Julian Deese and Sherrie Chenault in honor of Sylvia Clark Chenault to support members of our community whose lives are touched by cancer and motivate others to make a difference by supporting a cause in their community.

Sabina Barron, Writers of Outstanding WordsSabina is founder of the literary arts troupe “Writers of Outstanding Words,” which uses professional artists and a variety of innovative methods to teach writing, art, public speaking, photography and character development. Sabina encourages kids to do better and gives substance to their dreams with the motto “Once you hear us, you can’t forget us!”

Sarah Cadle, Inter Parish MinistrySarah is Service Coordinator at Inter Parish Ministry. She organizes school supply distribution drives that provide children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade the supplies they need to begin the year. Last year’s drive provided 230 children from ten different school districts school supplies. Sarah also provided holiday gifts to more than 350 families.

Dr. Sardar A. Tanveer, Ph.D., El-Sewedy International Academy of CincinnatiAfter serving as a Professor of Education at University of Cincinnati for 31 years, he served as the first Principal, working pro bono, of the International Academy of Cincinnati. Dr. Tanveer recruited an outstanding teaching staff while continuing to raise funds for operational and capital costs.

Sharon Johnson, Withrow University High SchoolA long-time educator and educational leader, Sharon Johnson served as principal of Withrow University High School for 11 years. During her tenure, she developed community partnerships with businesses to improve outcomes and opportunities for her students, including introducing a 1-to-1 technology model in classrooms, collaborations with colleges providing scholarships for graduates, and the creation of a dual enrollment program allowing high school seniors to earn college credits prior to graduation.

Sherry L. Hughes, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative mentorSherry Hughes is helping to provide structure for Cincinnati youth, instilling confidence and awareness of other things in life through working as a volunteer mentor with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative.

Snowie Shaved IceIn addition to providing job opportunities for more than 50 high school and college students every summer, Snowie also provides goods, services, fundraising opportunities or in-kind donations, and has helped charitable organizations in the Cincinnati area raise nearly a half-million dollars over the last 10 years.

Tiana A. Henry, AWAKE Western Hills High SchoolTiana is the co-founder and co-director of AWAKE (Adolescent Women Achieving Knowledge and Empowerment) with Nikela Owens at Western Hills High School. Tiana works with girls in grades 9 to 12 to introduce them to colleges and helps them develop self-esteem, self-worth and pride through lessons on etiquette, best-business practices and serving the community.

Tiers of JoyTiers of Joy brings the delight of a birthday party to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky children each year. Founded by Pauline Joi Williams with the intent to help empower and honor underprivileged and critically-ill children with the privilege of having a memorable birthday, their objective is to bring joy, gratitude and support to children and families during difficult times.

Vishnu Paranandi, Wyoming City Schools, Make it Happen service clubA leader of the Make it Happen service club at Wyoming City Schools, Vishnu’s talents with videography and photography allow parents and students to stay updated on fundraising and service opportunities. His video about the club’s work with FreestoreFoodbank led to an international video contest cash prize, which he donated to FreestoreFoodbank.

Difference Makers Dinner

These outstanding nominees will be recognized for their hard work and dedication at the Sixth Annual Difference Maker Awards dinner on Nov. 7. Join us to honor their efforts and recognize the finalists selected by a panel of community volunteers and previous Difference Makers. In addition, we will celebrate the 2013 Difference Maker Community Honoree, PNC Grow Up Great.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Union Terminal

COST: $45 for adults and $25 for children, $500 per table (10 tickets). Registration is now closed. Call (513) 287-7074 for availability.

Support for the Duke Energy Children’s Museum Difference Maker Awards is generously provided by presenting sponsors, Harold C. Schott Foundation and Francie & Tom Hiltz. Additional support is provided by Dinsmore, Miller Valentine Group, Sheakley and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Proceeds from this event support museum visits and programming for underserved children and families.

Difference Makers Free Friday

As part of our Difference Maker celebration, Cincinnati Museum Center will host a special "Free Friday" on Nov. 1, in honor of the Difference Maker nominees. Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science will be open FREE from 4 until 8 p.m. Metro is joining the celebration by providing free rides to and from Cincinnati Museum Center on Metro Rt. 1 during extended hours from 4 to 9 p.m on Nov. 1, and for the celebration dinner on Nov. 7.